Ugh, you’re killing me, smalls. The continued popularity of the Sonicare Essence line (when I hopped over to Amazon this morning it was sitting pretty as the #1 Best Seller in Electric Toothbrushes) continues to baffle me.

Yes, they’re cheap, and yes, they work, but they’re built on outdated technology that can result in mold issues if not properly maintained. They use older Ni-MH batteries, they’re bulkier, and they use an older brush head design that isn’t compatible with any more modern Sonicares that might already be in your household.

Okay, I won’t lie, the little bubbles are sweet and that bargain basement price tag is tough to refuse, but given the choice I’d spend a little extra money and grab the Philips Sonicare 2 Series model any day of the week.

Oh, and a warning — the Amazon site for the pink model of the Sonicare Essence says they use the ProResults brush head. That’s not true. ProResults brush heads are only available for more modern Sonicare models. For your Essence, you’re going to want to pick up e-Series replacement heads like these instead.